Housing Headlines

The public policy researcher who called Greater Boston's zoning a paper wall after studying 100 communities has written a new essay that says a regional government approach is needed to capitalize on the significant housing and job growth in Everett, Medford, Somerville, Chelsea, Malden and Charlestown. Researcher Amy Dain writes that this area is like a city center "for its density and mix of everything" but is more like "an archipelago of private developments in need of public connectivity so well known in historic downtowns."

TEWKSBURY --- A Pittsfield nonprofit dedicated to ending veteran homelessness is proposing to build 18 one-bedroom and three studio apartments for veterans at 1600 Main St. Early reaction from the Board of Selectmen to the four-story housing complex that would include some services was positive. “This makes affordable housing and services veterans, there’s nothing better than that. I think this is something we need desperately in our community,” said Selectman Mark Kratman.

NORTHAMPTON --- After a lengthy debate about the need for housing versus the impacts of more development, the Northampton City Council OK'd a zoning change that will allow two-family homes to be built throughout the city. As part of the package of zoning changes - which needs the signature of Mayor David Narkewicz to become law - all space heating in homes must be powered by wood, wind, solar or grid-sourced electricity.

SWAMPSCOTT --- The Town of Swampscott reiterated its determination to fight a 128-unit housing proposal after the state issued a site approval letter, allowing Winn Development to apply to the town's Zoning Board of Appeals for a Ch. 40B Comprehensive Land Use Permit. The 1.6 acre commercial site at 21 Elm Place is near the Swampscott commuter rail stop.

NORWELL --- Residents of a single-family subdivision built in 2014 are pushing a citizen's petition that is asking that land the town designated for affordable housing in 2004 be turned into conservation land. The petition comes as Norwell's Community Housing Trust is preparing to seek proposals to have the 6.3 acre plot developed into 24 units of mixed-income housing.

SUDBURY --- The Town of Sudbury and Quarry North Road LLC have concluded a land exchange agreement in which the developer will transfer 42 acres near the town's center to the town in exchange for 37 acres of town land that will be developed into 274 units under a Ch. 40R permit approved by the town in 2020. The agreement ends years of debate in which residents fought the developer's original plan to build 250 units on the town center land.